1. ʻĪao Valley State Park (Wailuku, Central Maui)
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Lush rainforest, cultural significance, ʻĪao Needle
Parking: Limited paid parking is available at the state park entrance.
Visitors must make parking reservations in advance through the state’s official website. However, kamaʻāina (Hawaiʻi residents) with a valid state ID do not need a reservation.
Located in Wailuku, ʻĪao Valley State Park is one of the most iconic and accessible hikes on Maui. This short trail takes you through a tropical rainforest to a stunning viewpoint of the ʻĪao Needle, a towering 1,200-foot rock formation. The valley holds immense cultural and historical significance, as it was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, where King Kamehameha I fought to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Today, it remains a peaceful place to explore and appreciate Maui’s rich history.
2. Twin Falls (Road to Hāna, North Shore Maui)
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Waterfalls, swimming pools, tropical scenery
Parking: Parking is available at the Twin Falls but spaces fill up quickly. To park it cost $10 (subject to change) in an open area off the side of the road, fronting the entrance of the Twin Falls hike.
Twin Falls is one of the first major stops along the famous Road to Hāna. Historically, this area was used for taro farming by Native Hawaiians, and today it remains part of a working agricultural community. The short and easy hike leads to several waterfalls and swimming pools, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a quick nature escape.
3. Pipiwai Trail (Hāna, East Maui)
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Bamboo forest, Waimoku Falls, banyan tree
Parking: The closest parking for the Pipiwai Trail is the Kipahulu Visitor Center paid parking lot. Cost currently: (subject to change) $30 for private vehicles (3 day pass) $25 for motorcycles (3 day pass) $15 for bikes or walk-ins only (3 day pass). Free with America the Beautiful pass.
Located on the Road to Hana, the Pipiwai Trail is one of Maui’s most magical hikes. This area was once home to Hawaiian settlements that thrived due to the abundance of fresh water from the ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). The trail winds through an enchanting bamboo forest, past ancient banyan trees, and culminates at Waimoku Falls, a towering 400-foot waterfall. It’s a journey through both Maui’s natural beauty and its cultural past.
4. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail (West Maui Mountains)
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Panoramic valley and ocean views, lush mountain ridges
Parking: A small dirt parking lot is available at the trailhead, but it fills up fast. The gate opens at 7 AM, so arriving early is recommended.
The Waiheʻe Ridge Trail offers breathtaking views of the Waiheʻe Valley and surrounding coastline. This region was historically a major agricultural area for Native Hawaiians, who cultivated taro and other crops in the valley below. The ridge provides stunning panoramic views and is one of the best places to appreciate the lush beauty of Maui’s windward side.
5. Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheʻeheʻe Trail, Haleakalā National Park)
Distance: 11 miles round trip (shorter options available)
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlights: Volcanic crater, unique Mars-like terrain, high-altitude views
Parking: No reservation is needed if you are going to park after 7:00am. If going up to Haleakala Crater anytime between 3:00am and 7:00am will require a Haleakala Crater Sunrise Reservation. After 7:00am no reservation is needed but you will just need to pay the standard Haleakala National Park entrance fee when you enter the park. Cost currently: (subject to change) $30 for private vehicles (3 day pass) $25 for motorcycles (3 day pass) $15 for bikes or walk-ins only (3 day pass). Free with America the Beautiful pass. This fee allows access to both the Summit District and Kīpahulu District of the park.
The Sliding Sands Trail takes hikers into the heart of Haleakalā Crater, a dramatic and unique volcanic landscape. The crater’s barren, moon-like terrain offers a stark contrast to Maui’s tropical scenery, making it a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. The high elevation and loose cinder make this hike challenging, but even a shorter out-and-back trek offers breathtaking views of the crater’s colorful terrain. Be prepared for cold temperatures at the summit and bring plenty of water.
6. King’s Highway (Hoapili Trail, South Maui)
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Coastal lava fields, secluded beaches, historical trail
Parking: A machine is located within the paved parking lot where visitors must pay before heading out on the trail. The lot is small, so arriving early is ideal.
One of the most rugged and remote hikes on Maui, the King’s Highway follows an ancient Hawaiian footpath across lava fields along the Makena coastline. This trail was once part of a vast network of paths built by King Piʻilani in the 16th century to connect villages across the island. Today, it offers a glimpse into Maui’s past, with stunning ocean views and access to Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse and secluded beaches. Due to its exposed terrain, it’s best to start early in the morning and bring plenty of sun protection.
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